Fun day out for farming women

A day at the races: A group of Terang and district ladies made the most of the sunny afternoon at the races last Wednesday as part of the annual Farmers’ Day Out event.

TERANG and district women were at the centre of a day out at the races last Wednesday afternoon, as part of the annual Farmers’ Day Out event.

The theme of the day was ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture’, with Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell, Corangamite Shire councillor Jo Beard and local farmer Anna Kenna the key speakers throughout the afternoon.

Terang and District Racing Club president Wayne Johnstone said the weather was perfect for a day of racing and forgetting about the worries of maintaining a farm.

“It is a chance to bring people off their farms and enjoy Terang and District Racing Club’s facilities,” he said.

Local Joseph Conheady interviewed Cr Beard about her experiences as former mayor and councillor.

She said the important part of being a councillor was always advocating in the best interests of the people you serve.

“You’ve got to have a good understanding of the area you are representing,” Cr Beard said.

“You have to be prepared to listen to people.”

Fun day out: A group of Cooriemungle dairy farmers made the most of a day at the races as part of the 2019 Farmers Day Out event.

Speaking on the value of women across a number of fields, especially in local government, she said female representation was slowly improving.

“Women have got so much to offer,” Cr Beard said.

“I can only hope times will change, but it has got to be for the right reasons.”

Mr Conheady thanked the attendees on the day and the women who played a key role in local farming.

“Ladies are a very important part of every farm business,” he said.

During the day, the proceeds of the sale of a two year-old filly from the Wilde stables to a syndicate saw $3000 go towards the Terang and Mortlake Health Service’s (TMHS) humidicrib cause.

The humidicrib will maintain an infant’s temperature and provide comprehensive monitoring, which is a vital requirement during the transport of an ill baby.

With the new technology, TMHS staff members will be able to transfer a newborn baby to Warrnambool Base Hospital for specialised paediatric treatment.